City of Brotherly Love has plenty to do

Jan. 26, 2013

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I recently received an email from Jeff Munzinger asking if I’d ever visited Philadelphia and consider writing about it. Munzinger, who grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs, has lived in the Ozarks for 31 years but still goes back every year.

I had to laugh because I lived in Philadelphia for years, but it has never occurred to me to write about it. But he’s right, there’s plenty for tourists to see, excellent food and historical sites. (From 1790 to 1800, Philadelphia was the nation’s capital.) So here are recommendations from Munzinger and myself. (You’ll find more when you click on this story online.)

Philadelphia’s most famous attraction is Independence National Historical Park, which includes Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center. (The bell weighs 2,080 pounds.) In this park, you’ll see where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written. This is such an important part of American history, it’s a no-brainer that you should visit. March through December, reserve tickets online or by phone. No tickets are needed in January and February. See http://www.nps.gov/inde/advance-ticket-information.htm.

South Street is the Beale Street of Philadelphia, especially on a weekend night. There are plenty of shops open late, live bands, bars and more than 100 restaurants. If you’re a family, go early because there can be a lot of drunkenness late at night. Still, it’s a good place to get a taste of the local culture.

The Philadelphia Musuem of Art is one of the nation’s largest art museums, and I highly recommend it. I have spent hours in this museum, which showcases European and American paintings, including Medieval and early Renaissance art.

Munzinger pointed out that it’s worth a visit to the historic Wanamaker’s Department Store, which is now Macy’s. (If you visit around Christmas, the decorations are stunning.) This was Philadelphia’s first department store. It’s home to the Wanamaker Organ, which is the world’s largest operating organ. It was built for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, had more than 10,000 pipes and its construction bankrupted the builder. On the last Saturday of the month, you can sign up for an organ tour ($20 adults; $18 students).

The Italian Market (on 9th Street) claims to be America’s oldest outdoor market, founded in the mid-to-late 1880s when an Italian immigrant opened a boardinghouse in the neighborhood for other Italians. At the market, you’ll find traditional Italian pastries, butchers, cheese shops, spices, produce vendors and restaurants. But you’ll also find Mexican and Asian vendors.

Philadelphia City Hall is the nation’s largest municipal building (larger than the U.S. Capitol). You can ride to the top of City Hall’s 548-foot-tall tower, topped off by a 37-foot bronze statue of William Penn. It weighs 27 tons and is the tallest sculpture on top of any building in the world.

You can’t talk about Philadelphia without talking about cheese steak. Honestly, the best cheese steak you can find is probably a little neighborhood joint, but here are three famous ones: Pat’s King of Steaks, www.patskingofsteaks.com; on South Street, stop in at Jim’s Steaks: www.jimssteaks.com (I like this one); or Geno’s http://www.genosteaks.com/ (overrated, in my opinion). Expect a line on any weekend.

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Also, in terms of food, while in Philly try the white clam pizza, a pizza with white garlic sauce and clams and readily available at many pizza places.

For cheap eats, stop in for a slice of pizza at any neighborhood pizzeria. This is also a food cart city, showcasing many wonderful ethnic carts. If you can’t find the carts, head to a university for the day. (The University of Pennsylvania has a pretty campus).

If you like Belgian beer, Monk’s Cafe, 264 S. 16th St., is a great, quaint spot. It’s not cheap, but the beer is fantastic. This little gem has been named best beer bar in the city by more than one publication and is a favorite among locals.

Travel Tip

The Philadelphia Flower Show is March 2-10 and the world’s largest indoor flower show, stretched over 33 acres. The show is operated by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, founded in 1827 and conducting flower shows since 1829.

Deal of the Week

This week’s deal comes from Great Southern Travel, 3424 S. National Ave., and is a six-day Emerald Isle adventure to Ireland. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral and marvel at the Book of Kells at Trinity College; see the beautiful Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher; kiss the Blarney Stone. The trip includes round-trip air fare from Springfield, hotel accommodations, transfers, sightseeing, some meals, travel insurance and professional guides. One night in Dromoland Castle also is included. Cost: $2,299 per person. Call Andrea Bateman at 888-4488 or 800-749-7116.

JULIANA GOODWIN

To ask a travel question, contact Juliana Goodwin at jlgoodwin@news-leader.com and put “Ask Juliana” in the subject line. She has visited 45 states, 55 countries and seven conti­nents (and still has so much to see). Whatever your question, she’ll try to help.